Capsule for beverages

ABSTRACT

A capsule includes an aluminum casing extending about an axis, which includes base and side walls defining a cavity containing a product, and a flanged edge extending from said side wall and including, at the outer end, an annular bead. A covering element is fixed to the flanged edge to close the cavity; a flanged edge includes a first portion which includes the annular bead and an annular second portion contiguous with the side defined in which the ring is accommodated, the free edge of the annular bead at a respective first distance from the first plane that is greater than or the same as the thickness of the ring, so that the recess.

The present invention relates to a capsule for beverages that is acapsule that is suitable for containing an initial product to be joinedto a fluid to obtain a final product.

In particular, the invention relates to a single-dose and disposablecapsule containing an initial product, for example like coffee powderthat is able to make, by interacting with pressurized water, a finalproduct, for example a coffee beverage.

In detail, the capsule is particularly configured to prepare products,for example beverages, in automatic dispensing machines.

The known capsules for use in dispensing machines are disposable,single-dose containers comprising an outer casing and having the shapeof a glass or cup. The casing usually has a base wall and a side walldefining a cavity containing the initial product, for example groundcoffee or tea, from which the final product is to be obtained, forexample the beverage. A flanged edge extends from the side wall and isarranged around the cavity, on the side opposite the base wall.

The cavity, at a mouth thereof is hermetically closed by a coveringelement, fixed to the flanged edge, so as to seal the initial productinside the container.

The capsule can be used in a dispensing machine in which the capsule canbe inserted by a user, into a chamber of the dispensing machine. Duringdispensing, the base wall of the capsule is perforated by an injectiondevice to inject pressurized liquid, for example water, into the capsuleand the covering element is perforated by a dispensing device of thedispensing machine to enable the final product to be dispensed.

The dispensing device of the dispensing machine comprises a dispensingplate provided with a plurality of pointed elements that, when apressure of the fluid inside the capsule increases, engage with thecovering element and perforate it in a plurality of different zones. Thefinal product can flow into a fruition container through theperforations made by the dispensing device of the dispensing machine.

For good dispensing results, the capsule further comprises a sealingelement arranged at the flanged edge which is configured to make afluidic seal with the dispensing machine, in particular with aprotrusion-shaped housing element of the dispensing machine, the capsulebeing insertable into the protrusion-shaped housing element.

The sealing element prevents an outflow of the pressurised liquid athigh operating pressure of the dispensing machine and, in use, iscrushed between the housing element of the dispensing machine and thedispensing plate of the dispensing device.

An example of a capsule with sealing element is provided by patentEP1654966, in which the casing is made of aluminium and the sealingelement is an elastic ring made of silicone rubber fixed to the flangededge.

Using aluminium for the casing of the capsule is particularlyadvantageous because it enables the initial product to be kept a longtime inside the cavity, being impermeable to oxygen and to water vapour.However, placing the elastomeric ring in the silicone casing requiresdevices to apply the silicone rubber to the flanged edge and it isdifficult to produce, with the consequence that, if the sealing elementis applied imprecisely, undesired leaks of water can occur duringdispensing of the beverage.

In addition, although the aluminium itself is recyclable, a body formedby the aluminium casing and by the silicone rubber sealing element is nolonger recyclable and this constitutes a problem for the increasinglyfelt need to make an entirely recyclable product for the purposes ofwaste disposal.

For this purpose, capsules have become widespread on the market in whichthe casing is made of aluminium and the sealing element is a ring ofcompostable material, for example it is made of a cellulose-basedmaterial, for example paper or of natural fibres to ensure that thecapsule has only compostable or completely recyclable material.

In the most widespread capsules on the market with an aluminium casing,the flanged edge is planar and can comprise a curled annular end bead,at which one border of the aluminium casing is folded on itself inaccordance with the prior art and can extend symmetrically, in adirection parallel to an axis of symmetry of the capsule, towards thebase wall and on the opposite side thereto.

An example of a capsule with an aluminium casing and a sealing elementmade of a cellulose-based material is provided by application WO2019092144, which comprises a casing having an end curved border todefine an open concave end arranged both on the side of the base walland on the opposite side thereto.

By conducting experimental dispensing tests with capsules with analuminium body, which comprise a planar flanged edge provided with anannular end bead, and in which the sealing element is not made ofsilicone rubber but of cellulose-based material, for example paperand/or cardboard, the Applicant has noted that defective dispensingoperations may occur.

For example, the Applicant has verified that in many dispensingoperations, for example of espresso coffee, at the end of dispensing thecapsule may remain suspended in the machine and not fall automaticallyinto the inner receptacle dedicated to receiving the capsules alreadyused. The user is thus forced to open the machine to free manually thecapsule trapped in order to be able to continue to use the dispensingmachine in the subsequent dispensing operations. This is particularlyunwelcome, since the user is obliged to access internal mechanisms ofthe dispensing machine, which are often difficult to access anddangerous if not treated with due care.

This defectiveness is due to the fact that the capsule remains coupledto the housing element of the dispensing machine, without uncouplingautomatically, since the paper sealing element makes friction with theejection guides of the dispensing machine. When the capsule is notautomatically ejected, the user is forced, for example, to detach thecapsule from the ejection guides manually.

The Applicant has verified that in the same or in other dispensingoperations, the beverage can be preceded by dispensing of only water.

This defectiveness is due to the occurrence of leaks of water from thefront and/or rear side of the dispensing machine that, being conveyed tothe fruition container intended to subsequently receive the beverage,dilute in an undesired manner the beverage to be obtained.

Such leaks are fluidic losses that can be front and/or rear losses.

The technical purpose which forms the basis of the present invention isthus to make available a capsule that overcomes the drawbacks ofcapsules of known type.

A further purpose of the present invention is to obtain a capsule withaluminium casing and sealing element made of paper material in which thepercentage of defectiveness is reduced, that is the percentage ofdefective dispensing operations with respect to the total of dispensingoperations conducted, due to failed uncoupling from the dispensingmachine at the end of dispensing with respect to the defectiveness ofthe capsules of the known type, to allow a user to use the dispensingmachine safely.

Another further purpose of the present invention is to obtain a capsule,that is simple to make and of moderate cost, with aluminium casing and asealing element made of paper material which improves the automaticuncoupling at the end of dispensing, to ensure that a user does not needto access internal mechanisms of the dispensing machine, which aredifficult to access and dangerous.

A further different purpose of the present invention is to obtain acapsule with aluminium casing and sealing element made of paper materialwhich, by ensuring the automatic uncoupling, allows a good beverageextraction quality, and reduces fluidic losses.

Another purpose of the present invention is to obtain a capsule withaluminium casing and sealing element made paper material which iseconomical and easy to make while allowing a good beverage extractionquality.

These purposes are achieved by a capsule in accordance with a firstaspect of the present invention, comprising the technicalcharacteristics set out in one or more of the appended claims.

These purposes are also achieved by a capsule in accordance with asecond aspect of the present invention, comprising the technicalcharacteristics set out in one or more of the appended claims.

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention willbecome more apparent from the following indicative, and hencenon-limiting, description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodimentof a capsule as illustrated in the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a capsule in accordance with a firstaspect of the present invention, on the side of a base wall of thecapsule, which comprises a casing having a flanged edge, in which forclarity’s sake a covering element fixed to the flanged edge is showndetached therefrom;

FIG. 2 shows a prospective section of the capsule di FIG. 1 , on theside opposite the side of the base wall;

FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of the capsule of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 shows an enlargement of the sectional view of FIG. 3 , in whichthe flanged edge is shown in detail, comprising a first portion, whichcomprises an annular bead arranged at the end of the flanged edge and inwhich a border of the casing is curled, a second planar portion, and asealing element, made as a ring and associated with the second portionof the flanged edge on the side facing the base wall;

FIG. 5 shows an enlargement of the flanged edge of a version of thecapsule of FIG. 1 , in which the ring is made by a stratified structurefixed to the second portion of the flanged edge, which comprises anouter layer and an inner layer superimposed and fixed together;

FIG. 6 shows an enlargement of the flanged edge of a different versionof the capsule of FIG. 1 , in which the ring, made by the stratifiedstructure of FIG. 5 , abuts on the annular bead and a side wall of thecapsule;

FIG. 7 shows an enlargement of the flanged edge of another differentversion of the capsule of FIG. 1 , in which the sealing elementcomprises a ring associated with the flanged edge on the side facing thebase wall and a further ring, arranged on the opposite side of theflanged edge and facing the ring;

FIG. 8 shows a sectional view of a variant of the capsule of FIG. 1 ,which differs from the capsule of FIG. 1 in that it comprises a flangededge in which a connecting portion is interposed between the firstportion and the second portion;

FIG. 9 is an enlargement of the sectional view of FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 10 shows an enlargement of the flanged edge of a version of thecapsule of FIG. 8 , in which the ring is made by the stratifiedstructure of FIGS. 5 and 6 ;

FIG. 11 shows an enlargement of the flanged edge of a different versionof the capsule of FIG. 8 , in which the ring abuts on the connectingportion and the annular bead;

FIG. 12 shows an enlargement of the flanged edge of another differentversion of the capsule of FIG. 8 , in which the sealing elementcomprises a ring associated with the flanged edge on the side facing thebase wall and a further ring, arranged on the opposite side of theflanged edge and facing the ring.

FIG. 13 shows an enlargement of the flanged edge of a further version ofthe capsule of FIG. 8 , in which the ring has an outer flexed zone,which extends from an inner planar zone, abutting on the connectingportion and the annular bead;

FIG. 14 shows an enlargement of the flanged edge of another variant ofthe capsule of FIG. 1 , in accordance with a second aspect of thepresent invention, which differs from the capsule of FIG. 1 in that theflanged edge comprises an annular bead, in which the border of thecasing is folded and flattened, the first portion being planar andforming an angle with the second portion equal to 90°;

FIG. 15 shows an enlargement of the flanged edge of a different versionof the capsule of FIG. 14 , in which the first portion forms an acuteangle with the second portion;

FIG. 16 shows an enlargement of the flanged edge of a different variantof the capsule of FIG. 14 , which comprises a connecting portion betweenthe first portion and the second portion and differs from the capsule ofFIG. 8 in that the flanged edge comprises an annular bead in which theborder of the casing is folded and flattened, the first portion beingplanar and forming a first discontinuity with the connecting portion,the connecting portion forming a second discontinuity with the secondportion.

In the following description, the same elements are indicated with thesame reference numbers in the various Figures. It is also specified thatunless differences are explicitly stated, the same elements are deemedto be applicable to all the different variants.

With reference to attached FIGS. 1 to 7 , 1 denotes a capsule inaccordance with the first aspect of the present invention, which isusable in a dispensing machine, which is not illustrated. Moreprecisely, the capsule 1 is insertable into a dispensing chamber, whichis not illustrated, of the dispensing machine.

The capsule 1 comprises a casing 2 that has an axis Z of longitudinalextent shown in FIG. 3 , for example an axis of symmetry.

The casing 2, as will be seen better in detail below, is preferably madeof aluminium, for example by drawing.

The casing 2 is substantially of truncated-cone shape, and i.e. shapedas a glass or cup. The casing 2 comprises a base wall 201 and a sidewall 202, defining a cavity 203 that is open, shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 ,and a flanged edge 212, which extends from the side wall 202.

In detail, the side wall 202 is divergent from the base wall 201 as faras an end, starting from which the flanged edge 212 extendssubstantially radially.

The cavity 203 is suitable for containing an initial product (notillustrated) to be joined to a fluid (not illustrated) to obtain a finalproduct (not illustrated). The fluid is, preferably, a hot or coldpressurized liquid, introduced into the cavity 203 in a step ofinjecting the fluid to obtain the final product.

As said previously, the initial product is for example a soluble,freeze-dried, dehydrated, concentrated, percolatable, lyophilised,powdered food product — for example coffee; alternatively, the initialpreparation can be for example a leaf food product — for example tea.The fluid is preferably water, which is hot and pressurized, whichenables a beverage to be obtained, for example coffee, barley, tea or anherbal drink.

The flanged edge 212 may comprise an annular bead 205, which is arrangedat an outer end of the flanged edge 212 itself.

A border 2' of the casing 2 can typically be folded in the annular bead205 so that it is positioned inside the bead 205 itself. Nevertheless,this is not necessary and the annular bead 205 can have a differentconformation, for example open.

The capsule 1 comprises a covering element 3 fixed to the flanged edge212 to close the cavity 203. The covering element 3 is fixed to theflanged edge 212 by heat or ultrasound welding, or gluing, on theopposite side of the base wall 201.

The covering element 3 is perforable by a dispensing device of thedispensing machine so that the final product can be dispensed throughthe covering element 3.

A sealing element 4 is associated with the flanged edge 212 to make afluidic seal with the dispensing machine, for example with a housingelement of the dispensing machine, the housing element being shaped as aprotrusion.

The sealing element 4 comprises an annular body 401, arranged on theside of the base wall 201, which is made of a cellulose-based materialand thus made as a paper or cardboard ring, or natural fibre ring orring made of a composition which comprises a combination of thesematerials.

Subsequently, for simplicity’s sake, but without limiting the scope, thering 401 will be cited as being made with a cellulose base, for examplepaper and/or cardboard.

Owing to the fact that the sealing element 4 comprises thecellulose-based ring 401, the sealing element 4 is easily made andmoreover makes the capsule 1 entirely recyclable.

The flanged edge 212 comprises a first portion 211 which comprises theannular bead 205 and a second portion 207 contiguous with the side wall202.

The second portion 207 is annular and lies on a first plane.

The first portion 211 is contained in a half-space, defined by the firstplane and facing the base wall 201 and extends in a direction parallelto the axis Z towards the base wall 201 as far as a free edge 205' ofthe annular bead 205.

The free edge 205' of the annular bead 205 is, in other words, the endclosest to the base wall 201 of the annular bead 205.

Since the annular bead 205 represents the outer end of the flanged edge212, the free edge 205' also represents the end of the first portion 211closest to the base wall 201.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7 , the first portion 211 is definedwithout discontinuity from the border 2' of the casing 2 through theannular bead 205 as far as the second portion 207.

The expression “without discontinuity” means that, starting from theborder 2' of the casing 2, the first portion 211 is without angles, thatis, it is a curved surface in which angles are absent between contiguoussections thereof.

This can still be valid even if the border 2' of the casing 2 is notfolded inside the annular bead 205.

Between the first portion 211 and the side wall 202 facing the firstportion 211, a recess 210 can therefore be defined in which the ring 401is accommodated, the free edge 205' of the annular bead 205 being at afirst distance D1 from the first plane that is greater than or equal tothe thickness of the ring 401, so that the recess 210 can contain thering 401 entirely.

The recess 210 defined between the first portion 211 and the side wall202 is concave and has a bottom which is defined by the second portion207.

Owing to the capsule in accordance with the first aspect of the presentinvention, the ring 401 can be contained inside the overall dimensionsof the first portion 211 as far as the annular bead 205 within the firstdistance D1.

In other words, the first portion 211 delimits the recess 210 on theopposite side of the side wall 202 as far as the free edge 205' and,thanks to the fact that the thickness of the ring 401 is less than orequal to the first distance D1, the free edge 205' protrudes, or isaligned, with respect to ring 401.

As will be seen, this enables an effective uncoupling from thedispensing machine to be obtained after dispensing.

As already disclosed previously, the dispensing plate is provided with aplurality of pointed elements (not illustrated) that, during dispensingwhen a pressure of the fluid inside the capsule increases, engage withthe covering element 3 and perforate it in a plurality of differentzones.

In fact, the Applicant was able to experimentally verify a considerableimprovement in defectiveness due to the fall of the capsule 1 at the endof dispensing.

The recess 210, in fact, is able to contain internally the ring 401 andthus possible friction between the paper and ejection guides (notillustrated) of the dispensing machine that may prevent the capsule 1from being correctly uncoupled can be avoided.

Owing to the fact that the free edge 205' extends beyond the thicknessof the ring 401, or is aligned therewith and the recess 210 contains thering 401 entirely, the capsule 1 in accordance with the presentinvention shows a surprising technical effect as it is able toconsiderably reduce the defectiveness related to the automaticuncoupling from the dispensing machine, managing to zero them.

However, it should be noted that the first portion 211 comprises atilted wall 211' which is joined on one side to the annular bead 205without discontinuity and on the other side to the second portion 207with discontinuity.

The first portion 211, and in detail the tilted wall 211', in fact formsan angle α with the second portion 207 which therefore defines adiscontinuity between the second portion 207 and the tilted wall 211'.

0081] If we now consider the first distance D1, it can be noted thatthis first distance D1 is comprised between 0.4 mm and 2.20 mm, stillmore preferably comprised between 0.90 mm and 1.90 mm, still morepreferably equal to 1.60.

According to an alternative version, the first distance can be forexample equal to 2.1 0 mm.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 , the annular bead 205 is curled and extendsradially between an inner edge 205" and an outer edge 205"' for amaximum diameter of width R, which can be comprised in a range from 0.4mm to 1.5 mm, preferably equal to 1.1 mm.

If the curled annular bead 205 has a diameter of 0.4 mm, the border 2'of the casing is almost folded on itself, while starting from a diameterof 0.8 mm up to a diameter of 1.5 mm, the annular bead 205 is rounded inshape, as represented in FIGS. 1 to 13 .

In addition to the diameter of 1.1 mm, other preferred diameters arepossible, such as 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm, or 1.3 mm.

The annular bead 205 can extend in the first plane towards the base wall201 so that the free edge 205' is placed at a first distance D1 equal,at least, to the minimum diameter of the curled annular bead 205.

However, in order for the free edge 205' to extend beyond the thicknessof the ring 401, preferably the annular bead 205 is displaced towardsthe base wall 201 so that the first distance D1 is greater than themaximum diameter of the bead ring 205 itself.

For example, if the annular bead 205, for example curled, has a diameterequal to 1.1 mm, the free edge 205' can be advantageously placed at thefirst distance D1 equal to 1.6 mm, i.e. be further displaced by 0.5 mmwith respect to the diameter of the annular bead 205, taking intoaccount the dimension and inclination of the tilted wall 211'.

Alternatively, according to a different version of the capsule, if theannular bead 205 has a diameter equal to 1.1 mm and the free edge 205'can be placed at the first distance D1 equal to 2.1 mm, it can befurther displaced by 1.0 mm with respect to the diameter of the annularbead 205.

The first portion 211 is contained radially between the inner edge 205"and the outer edge 205''' of the annular bead 205.

In fact, the border 2' can be folded in the annular bead 205 and canextend without discontinuity through the tilted wall 211' as far as thesecond portion 207.

The absence of discontinuity in the first portion 211 of the flangededge 212, which is contained in the half-space facing the base wall 201,the discontinuity present between the tilted wall 211' of the firstportion 211 and the second portion 207, as well as the fact that thefree edge 205' is preferably displaced with respect to the diameter ofthe annular bead 205 towards the base wall 201, makes the flanged edge212 itself more easily adaptable when, together with the ring 401, isclamped between the housing element and the dispensing plate of thedispensing machine and cooperates in making the fluidic seal with thedispensing machine, as we shall see later.

Furthermore, in the half-space the recess 210 can be defined in a simpleway.

Preferably, the first portion 211 can be shaped so as to be woundinitially around the border 2', defining the curled annular bead 205,and subsequently to progressively move away from the annular bead 205 asfar as the second portion 207.

The first portion 211 can be shaped, for example, like a spiral which,starting from the border 2' is wound initially around it, defining thecurled or rounded annular bead 205, and which, subsequently,progressively moves away from the annular bead 205 as far as the secondportion 207 through the tilted wall 211'.

It can be noted that, if the annular bead 205 is curled and the firstportion 211 extends without discontinuity, the user can handle thecapsule in total safety, as there are no pointed parts that might damagethe user. In fact, not only is the border 2' of the casing folded insidethe annular bead 205, but also edges that might annoy the user areabsent.

The angle α, which generates the inclination of the tilted wall 211',can be comprised between 10° and 90°, preferably comprised between 14°and 65°, still more preferably comprised between 20° and 45°, preferablyequal to 25°. Alternatively, the angle α can also preferably be equal to38°. In fact, it is preferable that the tilted wall 211' forms an acuteangle with the base wall 207 so that the annular bead 205 is displacedtowards the base wall 201 and at the same time the first portion 211extends without discontinuity through the inclined wall 211'.

As regards the position of the ring 401, it is associated with theflanged edge 212 at least in a region intended to make the fluidic sealwith the dispensing machine and i.e. in the region with which, duringdispensing, the protrusion-shaped housing element of the dispensingmachine engages.

This applies both considering the capsule 1 of FIGS. 1 to 7 and of FIGS.14 and 15 in accordance with the present invention and considering acapsule 1', which will be described below and which is shown in FIGS. 8to 13 and in the FIG. 16 .

The ring 401 can comprise an outer zone 402, shown in FIG. 4 , whichextends as far as abutting on the first portion 211.

In other words, the radial extension of the ring 401 can be such as toabut on the first portion 211, and more precisely the inner edge 205" ofthe annular bead 205, in relation to the thickness of the ring 401, asshown in FIGS. 4 and 6 .

Optionally, the ring 401 can be retained associated with the casing 2 byinterference between the outer zone 402 and the first portion 211.

Owing to this interference, the ring 401 can be stably associated withthe capsule 1 without the need to be further fixed to the flanged edge212 and this increases the constructional simplicity of the capsule 1.

The ring 401 can also comprise an inner zone 403 from which the outerzone 402 extends, which can extend as far as it abuts on the side wall202 of the capsule 2, as shown in FIG. 4 , regardless of whether theouter zone 402 can abut or not on the first portion 211.

If, for example, the ring 401 is about 1 mm wide and extends as far asto abut on the side wall 202, the fluidic seal with the housing elementof the dispensing machine is anyway guaranteed.

Optionally, the ring 401 can be retained associated with the capsule 1by interference between the inner zone 403 and the side wall 202.

Again, owing to this interference with the side wall 202, the ring 401can be stably associated with the capsule 1 without the need to befurther fixed to the flanged edge 212.

Again, this increases the constructional simplicity of the capsule 1.

However, the ring 401 can also be associated only with the secondportion 207 without necessarily abutting on the first portion 211 and/orthe side wall 202.

In a variant, the ring 401 can be L-shaped to follow, at leastpartially, both the flanged edge 212 and the side wall 202.

As regards the manner in which the ring 401 is made, it is specifiedthat this applies to all the variants or versions of capsules shown inFIGS. 1 to 16 .

The ring 401 can comprise a single layer of cellulose-based materialintended to contact the dispensing machine. The layer can be, forexample, made of paper or cardboard, with grammage comprised between 250g/m2 and 900 g/m2, preferably comprised between 300 g/m2 and 750 g/m2,preferably equal to 350 g/m2 and 700 g/m2.

The term grammage means a density value of the paper and/or of thecardboard, which is expressed as a value in grams by square metre.

Although the paper and/or the cardboard has a thickness that usuallydepends on the grammage used, the thickness of the paper and/orcardboard can vary according to different factors, like for example thetype of processing performed during production of the paper and/orcardboard or the quantity of wood fibre present therein.

In fact, for the same grammage, high density paper and/or cardboard mayexist that has a set thickness and a low density paper and/or cardboardthat has thickness greater than the set thickness.

For this reason, although the preferred grammage for making the paperring is comprised in a grammage range as disclosed above, the thicknessof the ring 401 will also be indicated below because the experimentaltests conducted were based on the thickness of the ring 401.

The ring 401 can comprise a stratified structure which comprises atleast one outer layer 404, based on cellulose, and a joining layer 405configured to enable the stratified structure to be joined to theflanged edge 212, that is, to the second portion 207.

The joining layer 405 is a layer of adhesive material that isactivatable by heat.

In other words, the paper or cardboard ring 401, which makes the sealingelement 4, can be made of a single paper and/or cardboard layer, asshown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , and in FIG. 7 , and be retained by interferenceor be additionally fixed by the joining layer 405 to the second portion207 of the aluminium flanged edge.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , alternatively, the ring 401 can be made bythe stratified structure made by means of a plurality of layerssuperimposed on each other, i.e. several cellulose-based layersalternating with joining layers, in which the joining layer 405 ispresent for the coupling to the flanged edge 212 of the ring 401 and,moreover, a further joining layer 407 is interposed between twocellulose-based layers.

The stratified structure can comprise the outer cellulose-based layer404, arranged outwardly for contacting the dispensing machine, thejoining layer 405 configured to enable the stratified structure to bejoined to the flanged edge 212, an inner layer 406 made ofcellulose-based material and a further joining layer 407, the latterjoining together the outer layer 404 and the inner layer 406. The innerlayer 406 is joined to the flanged edge 212 by the joining layer 405.

The ring 401 can be, for example, made with a double cellulose-basedlayer.

Optionally, according to a variant that is not shown, the outer layer404 can be L-shaped to follow at least partially both the flanged edge212 and the side wall 202.

The joining layer 405 can be made of an adhesive material or a materiallike polythene, or a polyolefin, or polylactic acid (PLA) that, when itis applied to the second portion 207 by heat, becomes sticky and joinsthe single layer (if the ring is made of a single layer ofcellulose-based material) or the inner layer 406 (in the case of thestratified structure) to the second portion 207.

The same considerations also apply for the further joining layer 407,configured to join together the outer cellulose-based layer 404 and theinner cellulose-based layer 406, which is also made with a material thatis activatable by heat.

The joining layer 405, and optionally the further joining layer 407 canalso be made by a hot glue that acts when it is activated by a heatingdevice with heat, for example a device provided with a heating elementwith electrical resistance.

The joining layer 405 and optionally the further joining layer 407 canalso be activated by a heating device with ultrasound welding.

In accordance with one variant, which is not shown, the flanged edge212, and preferably the entire casing 2, can optionally be coatedexternally by a lacquer, which can be transparent, or coloured, which issuitable for joining with the joining layer 405 when the joining layer405 is softened, or melts, by heat to obtain adhesion of the joininglayer 405 to the flanged edge 212.

The lacquer is configured to coat externally the aluminium,simultaneously personalizing the aluminium if it is coloured, and tofacilitate the adhesion of the joining layer 405 to the aluminium of thecasing 2. The lacquer can in fact be joined to the polythene or thepolylactic acid, when both are heated (optionally the lacquer can alsobe heated), being activatable by heat, to enable the cellulose ring tobe joined to the lacquer coating the aluminium.

Preferably, the lacquer is selected so as to be compatible with thejoining layer 405, thus ensuring a permanent weld or in any caseadhesion that is suitable for not detaching the ring 401 from theflanged edge 212 even after dispensing.

According to one version, the ring 401 is made by the stratifiedstructure comprising the outer layer 404, the inner layer 406, thejoining layer 405 and the further joining layer 407, and is configuredto be placed resting on the second portion 207 when the joining layers405, 407 have not been activated yet. In this case, the joining layers405, 407 can both be activated simultaneously by heat, to join both thering 401 to the flanged edge 212 and to join the cellulose-based layerstogether, thus defining a compact and monobloc annular body 401.

Each cellulose-based layer, and i.e. the outer layer 404 and the innerlayer 406, can have, for example, a grammage equal to 350 g/m2 for atotal of 700 g/m2.

Each joining layer, i.e. the joining layer 405, or the further joininglayer 407, can have, for example, a grammage of 15 g/m2, whichcorresponds to a thickness of a few microns, even before the stratifiedstructure is joined to the flanged edge 212.

Owing to the fact that the ring 401 can be made at least by a pair ofcellulose-based layers 404, 406 that are joined together it is possibleto select each layer 404, 406 in an appropriate manner in terms of thegrammage and/or the thickness and/or the composition.

For example, the outer layer 404, configured to be arranged externally,can be chosen with a grammage and/or thickness and/or composition thatis different from the inner layer 406, such that the ring 401 has thecharacteristics required for uncoupling from the housing element of thedispensing machine, as will be seen in detail below, but at the sametime also has a reduced cost.

The possibility of having a plurality of cellulose-based layers allowseach layer to be selected with different properties. For example, theouter layer 404 can be selected with a lower density than the innerlayer 406 underlying the outer layer 404, in order to deform better andpromote the fluidic seal during dispensing, or can be selected by acolour or texture that is different from the inner layer 406 (which ispreferably neutral-white), so as to be able to be distinguishable for auser.

According to one variant shown in FIG. 7 , the sealing element 4comprises a further ring 408 made of a cellulose-based material, whichis fixed to the covering element 3 on the side opposite the flanged edge212, and more precisely on the side opposite the second portion 207.

The further ring 408 is aligned on the ring 401 so as to form astratified sealing element 4, in which the planar second portion 207made of aluminium, and the covering element 3 joined thereto areinserted between the ring 401 and the further ring 408, arrangedopposite and facing one another.

The ring 401 is associated with the second portion towards the base wall201 while the further ring 408 is fixed to the covering element 3.

With regards to the further ring 408, what was said before applies, andthus also the further ring 408 can be made of a single layer 404 ofcellulose-based material, joined to the covering element 3 by thejoining layer 405, or the further ring 408 can be made by the stratifiedstructure comprising the outer layer 404, the inner layer 406 as well asthe joining layer 405 and the further joining layer 407.

The further ring 408 can have a grammage and/or thickness and/orcomposition that is different from the ring 401.

It should be noted that, during dispensing, the further ring 408contributes to the fluidic seal with the dispensing machine but it alsoperforms the function of spacer between the capsule 1 and the dispensingmachine.

In fact, the further ring 408, which is placed in contact with thedispensing plate of the dispensing machine, maintains the flanged edge212 spaced apart from the dispensing plate and displaces the flangededge 212 and the ring 401 towards the base wall 201, that is towards theprotrusion-shaped housing element of the dispensing machine.

As a result, owing to the presence of the further ring 408, a reducedthickness can be sufficient for the ring 401, with a consequenteconomical advantage for selecting the material with which the ring 401can be made.

The ring 401, or if present the further ring 408, preferably have aconstant thickness and are planar.

It should be noted that, from experimental tests, it has emerged to beparticularly advantageous, in order to improve the defectiveness due tothe uncoupling of the capsule at the end of dispensing, that thethickness of the ring 401 is comprised between 0.30 mm and 1.2 mm,preferably comprised between 0.55 mm and 1.10 mm, still more preferablycomprised between 0.70 mm and 1.00 mm, preferably equal to 0.90 mm.

Experimental tests carried out by the Applicant have shown that bymaking a capsule 1, in accordance with the invention, in which thecasing 2 is made of aluminium and the sealing element 4 is made of acellulose-based material, in which the first portion 211 is contained ina half-space, defined by the first plane identified by the secondportion 207 and extends towards the base wall 201 as far as a free edge205' of the annular bead 205, defining a recess 210 in which the ring401 is housed entirely, the defectiveness linked to the faileduncoupling of the capsule 1 at the end of the dispensing is reduced.

Advantageously, the first portion 211 can be shaped withoutdiscontinuity from the border 2' through the annular bead 205 as far asthe second portion 207.

Owing to the fact that the free edge 205' of the annular bead 205 is ata first distance D1 from the second portion 207 which is greater than orequal to the thickness of the ring 401, the ring 401 is entirelycontained in the recess 210, friction is avoided between the ring 401and the ejection guides of the dispensing machine and this enables thepercentage of defectiveness of the dispensing machine due to thesuspension in the machine to be reduced.

Experimental tests have shown that the defective dispensing operationsdue to the automatic uncoupling are reduced both with a thickness of thering 401 equal to 0.45 mm, and with the thickness of the ring 401 equalto 0.90 mm.

The Applicant has also verified a significant improvement in thedefectiveness due to fluidic losses, in addition to the improvement inthe defectiveness due to uncoupling, with a thickness of the ring 401comprised between 0.55 mm and 1.10 mm, still more preferably comprisedbetween 0.70 mm and 1.00 mm, preferably equal to 0.90 mm.

With an increased thickness of the ring 401, although the uncoupling atthe end of dispensing is still ensured, it is possible to obtain areinforced fluidic seal, that is, a reduced quantity of front and/orrear fluidic losses compared to known aluminium capsules.

As indicated previously, the term “fluidic losses” means leaks of waterfrom the front and/or rear part of the dispensing machine that are dueto a defective fluidic seal between the sealing element 4 and thedispensing machine.

Despite the increased thickness, it has been experimentally proved thatthe defective dispensing operations due to failed uncoupling aredecreased also with a thickness of the ring 401 equal to 0.90 mm, aswill be highlighted below.

The experimental tests were conducted using the following Nespresso™coffee machines: Essenza Mini™ and Citiz™.

A first series of tests and a second series of tests were conductedusing capsules with an aluminium casing of known type and sealingelement made as a paper ring, in which the casing comprises a planaraluminium flanged edge and an end annular bead that, in a directionparallel to the axis Z, extends symmetrically with respect to the planarflanged edge towards a base wall of the casing and on the opposite sidethereto.

Since the annular bead 205 has a diameter approximately equal to 1.3 mm,in the first series of tests and in the second series of tests theannular bead extends towards the base wall 201 as far as the free edge205' and the distance between the free edge 205' and the first planedefined by the second portion is approximately equal to 0.65 mm.

In the first series of tests a 0.45 mm-thick paper ring was used, in thesecond series of tests a 0.90 mm-thick paper ring was used.

A third series of tests and a fourth series of tests were conductedusing capsules 1 with an aluminium casing 2 in accordance with theinvention shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 and sealing element 4 made like a paperring, in which the casing 2 comprises a flanged edge 212 comprising afirst portion 211 without discontinuity provided with a rounded annularbead 205 and in which the free edge 205' is at a first distance D1 equalto 1.6 mm from the second portion 207. In the third series of tests andin the fourth series of tests the annular bead 205 is axially displacedby 0.5 mm towards the base wall, the diameter of the annular bead 205being equal to 1.1 mm.

In the third series of tests and in the fourth series of tests, thecapsule 1 with aluminium capsule of FIGS. 1 to 7 was used, as alreadydescribed above, but in the third series of tests a 0.45 mm thick ringpaper was used, while in the fourth series of tests a 0.90 mm thickpaper ring was used.

The third series of tests and the fourth series of tests was aimed atverifying the uncoupling of the capsule at the end of dispensing.

Comparative Example 1

A first series of tests (96 dispensing operations) was conducted usingcapsules of known type as indicated above, with an aluminium casing witha planar flanged edge and an annular bead symmetrical in a directionparallel to the axis Z and a sealing element made as a paper ring thatis 0.45 mm thick.

Comparative Example 2

A second series of tests (35 dispensing operations) was conducted usingcapsules of known type as indicated above, with an aluminium casing witha planar flanged edge and an annular bead symmetrical in a directionparallel to the axis Z and a sealing element made as a paper ring thatis 0.90 mm thick.

Example 3 in Accordance With the Invention

A third series of tests (40 dispensing operations) was conducted usingcapsules 1 according to the invention, with the first portion 211 of theflanged edge without discontinuity and having an annular bead, in whichthe sealing element is made as a paper ring 401 that is 0.45 mm thick.

Example 4 in Accordance With the Invention

A fourth series of tests (40 dispensing operations) was conducted usingcapsules 1 according to the invention, with the first portion 211 of theflanged edge without discontinuity and having an annular bead, in whichthe sealing element is made as a paper ring 401 that is 0.90 mm thick.

In the tests conducted, the capsules were all filled with the same 5.50g dose of coffee.

Comparative example 1 Comparative example 2 Example 3 Example 4suspension in the machine (%) 16.7⁽¹⁾ 77.1⁽²⁾ 0.0 0.0

-   (1) All the suspensions in the machine were detected in one of the    coffee machines tested.-   (2) About 66% of the suspensions in the machine were detected in one    of the coffee machines tested, the same one in which the suspensions    in the machine were detected of comparative Example 1.

As already indicated previously, suspension in the machine means thefact that the capsule, at the end of dispensing, remains coupled to thehousing element of the dispensing machine and is not uncoupledautomatically.

A fifth series of tests was conducted using capsules 1 with aluminiumcasing 2 in accordance with the invention, with the first portion 211 ofthe flanged edge without discontinuity and having a rounded annular beadand a paper ring that is 0.90 mm thick.

In the fifth series of tests the free edge 205' is at a first distanceD1 equal to 1.6 mm from the second portion 207 and the annular bead 205is axially displaced by 0.5 mm towards the base wall, the diameter ofthe annular bead 205 being equal to 1.1 mm.

The fifth series of tests was aimed at verifying the uncoupling of thecapsule at the end of dispensing and at the same time the defectivenessdue to fluidic losses.

Example 5 in Accordance With the Invention

A fifth series of tests (40 dispensing operations) was conducted usingcapsules 1 according to the invention, with the first portion 211 of theflanged edge without discontinuity and having an annular bead, in whichthe sealing element is made as a paper ring 401 that is 0.90 mm thick.

Comparative example 2 Example 5 fluidic losses (%) 14.3⁽³⁾ 0.0

-   (3) All the fluidic losses were detected in one of the coffee    machines tested, the same one in which the suspensions in the    machine were detected of comparative Example 1.

As already indicated previously, fluidic losses mean the frontal and/orrear losses that occur in the presence of leaks of water from thefrontal and/or rear part of the dispensing machine.

In use, the capsule 1 is inserted by a user into a chamber of thedispensing machine that is opened for this purpose by, for example, alever mechanism. Using the same mechanism, the user can close thechamber to start dispensing and, when the chamber is closed, theprotrusion-shaped housing element of the dispensing machine can compressthe sealing element 4 that is the ring 401 inelastically to make thefluidic seal. During dispensing, the pressurized fluid is injected intothe capsule and the ring 401, compressed inelastically by the housingelement, makes the fluidic seal with the dispensing machine.

The same thing happens if the capsule 1, in addition to the ring 401,comprises also the further ring 408, arranged on a side opposite thering 401.

When the pressurized liquid is injected, the pressure of the finalproduct increases inside the capsule 1, which in turn deforms thecovering element 3 towards the pointed elements of the dispensing plateof the dispensing machine, which perforate the covering element 3.

At the end of dispensing, the user can open the chamber by actuatingagain the lever mechanism to enable the capsule 1 to be uncoupled.

Owing to the fact that the free edge 205' of the annular bead 205 is ata first distance D1 from the second portion 207 which is greater than orequal to the thickness of the ring 401, the ring 401 is entirelycontained in the recess 210, friction is avoided between the ring 401and the ejection guides of the dispensing machine and this enables thepercentage of defectiveness of the dispensing machine due to thesuspension in the machine to be reduced. For this purpose, preferably,the annular bead 205 is displaced towards the base wall 201 to ensurethat, axially, the free edge 205' is beyond the thickness of the ring401. The capsule 1 that has just been used, as soon as the user opensthe chamber, can be in fact uncoupled from the housing element and canfall into the recovery receptacle of the already used capsules.

However, fluidic losses are also reduced since the movement of theannular bead 205 towards the base wall 201 promotes a deformability ofthe flanged edge 212 during dispensing.

Furthermore, if the thickness of the ring 401 is increased, a reinforcedfluidic seal can be ensured and the uncoupling of the capsule 1 is inany case ensured.

FIGS. 8 to 13 show a capsule 1' which differs from the capsule 1 shownin FIGS. 1 to 8 in that the capsule 1' is provided with a flanged edge204 which differs from the flanged edge 212, described so far, in thatit comprises a first portion 206, which differs from the first portion211 described above.

However, what has been said previously still applies, i.e. the firstportion 206 is contained in a half-space, defined by the first plane andfacing the base wall 201 which extends in a direction parallel to theaxis Z towards the base wall 201 as far as the free edge 205' of theannular bead 205, between the first portion 206 and the side wall 202facing the first portion 206, the recess 210 being defined in which thering 401 is housed and entirely contained, since the free edge 205' ofthe annular bead 205 is at the first distance D1 from the first planewhich is greater than or equal to the thickness of the ring 401.

However, the flanged edge 204 additionally comprises a connectingportion 208 arranged between the first portion 206 and the secondportion 207, the first portion 206 being displaced towards the base wall201 at at least a second predetermined distance D2 from the first plane,between the connecting portion 208 and the side wall 202 a seat 209 inwhich the ring 401 is at least partially housed being defined.

The seat 209 is concave and has a respective bottom which is defined bythe second portion 207.

The recess 210, which is defined between the first portion 206 and theside wall 202 and is itself delimited by a respective bottom whichcorresponds to the second portion 207, thus contains the seat 209.

Thanks to the fact that the first portion 206 is displaced towards thebase wall 201 and creates the seat 209 in which the ring 401 is at leastpartially housed, the Applicant has been able to experimentally verifythat, with this capsule 1', an effective uncoupling from the dispensingmachine after dispensing is ensured but there is also an importantimprovement in the fluidic seal, that is, a reduced quantity of frontand/or rear fluidic losses.

As regards the fluidic seal, the displacement to the second distance D2and the consequent change of level between the first portion 206 and thesecond portion 207, which lies in the first plane, allows the generationof a deformation in the flanged edge 204, at the connecting portion 208,which makes the flanged edge 204 itself more easily adaptable when,together with the ring 401, it is clamped between the housing elementand the dispensing plate of the dispensing machine.

On the other hand, as regards the fall of the capsule 1 at the end ofdispensing, the fact that the recess 210 can contain the ring 401entirely inside itself still applies, since the free edge 205' is placedat a first distance D1 from the first plane which is greater than orequal to the thickness of the ring 401.

The seat 209, which can partially contain the ring 401 inside itself,can further facilitate the containment of the ring 401 and thereforefurther prevent any friction between the paper and the ejection guides(not illustrated) of the dispensing machine, which can prevent thecapsule 1 from being properly uncoupled.

Also with this variant, therefore, thanks to the fact that the flangededge 204 has the annular bead 205 displaced and thanks to the fact thatthe paper ring can be housed at least partially in the seat 209, thecapsule 1 in accordance with the present invention shows a surprisingtechnical effect as it can considerably reduce the defectiveness linkedto the automatic uncoupling from the dispensing machine.

In addition, the Applicant has also experimentally verified a reductionin defectiveness related to fluidic losses.

It should be noted that the first portion 206 is contained in ahalf-space facing the base wall 201, which is defined by a second planewhich is placed at the said second predetermined distance D2.

In other words, the second distance D2 is the distance at which thefirst portion 206 is displaced, which also comprises the annular bead205.

It should be noted that the first portion 206 comprises an annular part206', which is contiguous with the connecting portion 208 and is planar,the annular part 206' lying on the second plane.

The distance D2 is thus measurable in a direction parallel to the axis Zbetween the second portion 207 of the flanged edge 204, annular andplanar, and the annular portion 206' of the first portion 206.

Again what has been said previously applies, that is, the first portion206 is comprised between the inner edge 205' and the outer edge 205" ofthe curled annular bead 205 and the first portion 206 is defined withoutdiscontinuity by the border 2' of the casing 2 through the curledannular bead 205, as far as the planar annular wall 206'. The firstportion 206 is therefore shaped like a spiral which, starting from theborder 2' is wound initially around the border 2', defining the annularbead 205, and which, subsequently, is maintained in proximity to thecurled annular bead 205 by the annular wall planar 206' as far as theconnecting portion 208.

Unlike the first portion 211 of the capsule 1, which extends from theborder 2' of the casing 2 without discontinuity as far as the firstportion 207, between the first portion 206 of the capsule 1' and theconnecting portion 208 there is a first change of slant, and between theconnecting portion 208 and the second portion 207 there is a secondchange of slant. In other words, while in the flanged edge 212 of thecapsule 1 there is a single discontinuity between the first portion 211and the second portion 207, at the joint between the first portion 211and the second portion 207, in the flanged edge 204 of the capsule 1'there is a first discontinuity between the first portion 206 and theconnecting portion 208 (a first angle is defined) and a seconddiscontinuity between the connecting portion 208 and the second portion207 (a second angle is defined).

Although what has been said before still applies with respect to thefirst distance D1, which allows the thickness of the ring 401 to beentirely contained in the recess 210 within the free edge 205' of theannular bead 205, in a direction parallel to the axis Z, it is specifiedthat the second distance D2 can be comprised between 0.10 mm and 0.90mm, still more preferably comprised between 0.20 mm and 0.60 mm, stillmore preferably equal to 0.30.

The second predetermined distance D2 can also be equal to 0.50 mm.

Considering a dimension of the annular bead 205 in a direction parallelto the axis Z, which is for example equal to 1.30 mm and considering asecond distance D2 equal to 0.30 mm, it can be noted that, in this way,a free edge 205' of the annular bead 205 extends towards the base wall201 as far as a distance D1 from the first plane that is equal to 1.60mm.

In relation to the second distance D2 and to the thickness of the ring401, it can be observed that the ring 401 can be contained entirely, ina direction parallel to the axis Z, inside the seat 209 or can protrudetherefrom and be contained entirely in the recess 210.

In other words, being the second portion 206 displaced towards the basewall 201, the annular bead 205 contributes to delimiting the recess 210further laterally and defines, together with the connecting portion 208,a respective outer wall of the recess 210, that on the opposite sidefaces the side wall 202 of the capsule.

With the values provided above by way of example, the recess 210 isdelimited externally by the connecting portion 208 and/or by the annularbead 205 up to 1.60 mm.

The connecting portion 208 can have a stepped truncated-coneconformation, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 13 , or a curved conformation, forexample with a change of slant, not illustrated.

In other words, the connecting portion 208 can be shaped as a tiltedplanar surface that connects the first portion 206 and the secondportion 207 or as a surface in which a change of curvature is present.

As regards the association between the ring 401 and the flanged edge204, what has been said previously with reference to the flanged edge212 applies, specifying that the outer zone 402 of the ring 401 canextend as far as abutting on the first portion 206, and/or theconnecting portion 208.

For example, the outer zone 402 can also abut on the curled annular bead205 in relation to the thickness of the ring 401, as illustrated inFIGS. 11 and 13 , in particular it can abut on the inner edge 205" ofthe curled annular bead 205 and be optionally flexed towards the basewall 201, as shown in FIG. 13 .

Optionally, also in this embodiment, the ring 401 can be retainedassociated with the casing 2 by interference between the outer zone 402and the first portion 206 and/or the connecting portion 208, without theneed to be further fixed to the flanged edge 204.

The inner zone 403 of the ring 401, as previously mentioned, can alsoextend as far as it abuts on the side wall 202 and, without beingfurther fixed to the flanged edge 204, the ring 401 can optionally beretained associated with the capsule 1 by interference between the innerzone 403 and the side wall 202, in a manner not illustrated.

Furthermore, in a variant not shown, the fact that the ring 401 can beL-shaped to at least partially follow both the flanged edge 204 and theside wall 202 is still valid.

However, as already said, the ring 401 can be associated only with thesecond portion 207 without necessarily abutting on the first portion206, and/or the connecting portion 208, and/or the side wall 202, as itis sufficient for it to be associated to the flanged edge 204 in theregion with which, during dispensing, the protrusion-shaped housingelement of the dispensing machine engages.

The fact that the ring 401 can be joined to the flanged edge 204, andmore precisely to the second portion 207, by the joining layer describedabove, is still valid.

As regards the way in which the ring 401 is made, it is specified thatwhat previously described in relation to the capsule 1 of the FIGS. from1 to 7 , can also be applied without limiting the scope of generality tothe capsule 1' of the FIGS. from 8 to 13 .

The ring 401 can comprise a single layer of cellulose-based materiallike in FIGS. 8, 9 and 13 , of the grammage and thickness indicatedabove, or it can comprise the stratified structure indicated above, inwhich, for example, the outer layer 404 and the joining layer 405, andoptionally the inner layer 406 and the further joining layer 407, likein FIGS. 10 and 11 , are present.

Again, optionally according to a variant that is not shown, the outerlayer 404 can be L-shaped to follow at least partially both the flangededge 204 and the side wall 202.

Each cellulose-based layer, i.e. the outer layer 404 and the furtherlayer 406, can have the grammage and thickness indicated above, whichcan be selected in an appropriate way as regards the grammage and/orthickness and/or the composition to guarantee the characteristicsrequired for the purpose of the fluidic seal and the uncoupling of thedispensing machine from the housing element and a reduced cost.

Again, as previously said, the sealing element 4 can comprise thefurther ring 408, made according to the methods described above, fixedto the covering element 3 on the side opposite the second portion 207like in FIG. 12 , so that the further ring 408 and the ring 401 arealigned and opposite to each other.

In use, the capsule 1' is inserted by the user into the chamber of thedispensing machine and is used as previously described in relation tothe capsule 1.

Owing to the connecting portion 208, in which the flanged edge 204 isdeformed to connect the first portion 206, displaced towards the basewall 201 at the second distance D2, and the second planar portion 207 towhich the ring 401 is associated, the flanged edge 204 adapts to thedispensing machine and thus the fluidic seal achieved by the ring 401,and optionally by the ring 408, with the dispensing machine can beimproved.

At the end of dispensing, when the chamber is opened to allow thecapsule 1' to be uncoupled, thanks to the fact that the recess 210contains the ring 401 entirely and the seat 209 contains at leastpartially the ring 401, the ejection guides of the dispensing machine donot contact the ring 401 and the capsule 1 just used, as soon as theuser opens the chamber, can be uncoupled falling into the receptacle forthe recovery of the capsules already used.

Experimental tests carried out by the Applicant have shown that bymaking a capsule 1', in accordance with FIGS. 8 to 13 , in which thecasing 2 is made of aluminium and the sealing element 4 is made of acellulose-based material, in which the first portion 206 is contained ina half-space, defined by the first plane identified by the secondportion 207 and extends towards the base wall 201 as far as a free edge205' of the annular bead 205, defining the recess 210 in which the ring401 is housed entirely, the defectiveness linked to the faileduncoupling of the capsule 1 at the end of the dispensing is reduced.

The improvement of the uncoupling at the end of the dispensing isensured also for the capsule 1' with a thickness of the ring 401comprised between 0.30 mm and 1.2 mm, preferably comprised between 0.55mm and 1.10 mm, still more preferably between 0.70 mm and 1.00 mm,preferably equal to 0.90 mm.

However, in the alternative, the experimental tests conducted with thecapsule 1' with flanged edge 204 provided with the connecting portion208, have shown that the defectiveness linked to front and/or rearfluidic losses is also further improved, even if the ring does not havean increased thickness but is comprised between 0.30 mm and 1.2 mm,preferably comprised between 0.55 mm and 1.10 mm, still more preferablycomprised between 0.70 mm and 1.00 mm, preferably equal to 0.90 mm.

The experimental tests for capsule 1' were conducted using the sameNespresso™ coffee machines: Essenza Mini™ and Citiz™, used for theexperimental tests of capsule 1.

The first series of tests and the second series of tests, for thealuminium capsule of the known type described above, are not repeatedhere, for the sake of brevity.

A sixth series of tests and a seventh series of tests was conductedusing capsules 1' with an aluminium casing 2 and a sealing element 4made as a paper ring, in which the casing 2 comprises a flanged edge 204comprising a first portion 206 comprising the annular bead 205 displacedtowards the base wall 201 and the connecting portion 208, the free edge205' being at a first distance D1 equal to 1.6 mm from the secondportion 206, the displacement of the first portion 206 to the seconddistance D2 being equal to 0.3 mm.

In the sixth series of tests and in the seventh series of tests thecapsule 1' was used but in the sixth series of tests a 0.45 mm thickpaper ring was used, while in the seventh series of tests a 0.90 mmthick paper ring was used.

The sixth series of tests and the seventh series of tests was aimed atverifying the uncoupling of the capsule at the end of dispensing.

In addition, defectiveness due to fluidic losses was also verified.

In the tests conducted, again, the capsules were all filled with thesame 5.50 g dose of coffee.

Example 6

A sixth series of tests (40 dispensing operations) was conducted outusing capsule 1', with flanged edge with connecting portion 208, inwhich the sealing element is made as a paper ring 401 that is 0.45 mmthick.

Example 7

A seventh series of tests (40 dispensing operations) was conducted outusing capsules 1', with flanged edge with connecting portion 208, inwhich the sealing element is made as a paper ring 401 that is 0.90 mmthick.

The following table shows the percentage of defects found in each seriesof tests, defective dispensing operations being expressed as apercentage of total dispensing operations performed.

Comparative example 1 Comparative example 2 Example 6 Example 7suspension in the machine (%) 16.7⁽¹⁾ 77.1⁽²⁾ 0.0 0.0

-   (1) All the suspensions in the machine were detected in one of the    coffee machines tested.-   (2) About 66% of the suspensions in the machine were detected in one    of the coffee machines tested, the same one in which the suspensions    in the machine were detected of comparative Example 1.

Comparative example 1 Comparative example 2 Example 6 Example 7 fluidiclosses (%) 89.5 14.3⁽³⁾ 25.0 (4) 0.0

-   (3) All the fluidic losses were detected in one of the coffee    machines tested, the same one in which the suspensions in the    machine were detected of comparative Example 1.-   (4) All the fluidic losses were detected in one of the coffee    machines tested, the same one in which the suspensions in the    machine were detected of comparative Example 1.

Therefore, it has been advantageously verified experimentally that boththe capsule 1, in which the first portion 211 is shaped withoutdiscontinuity from the curled annular bead 205 as far as the secondportion 207 and is joined thereto with discontinuity and in which thefirst distance D1 is greater than the maximum diameter of the annularbead 205 itself, that the capsule 1', in which the first portion 206 canbe joined with a first discontinuity to the connecting portion 208 andwith a second discontinuity from the connecting portion 208 to thesecond portion 207, guarantee not only an improvement but also a zeroingof the defectiveness due to the failed uncoupling of the capsule 1, 1'at the end of dispensing. In fact, the free edge 205' of the annularbead 205 defines a recess which contains the ring 401 entirely inside itand furthermore, in both types of capsule, the annular bead 205 has itsown free edge 205' axially displaced towards the base wall 201, thefirst distance D1 being greater than the maximum diameter of the annularbead 205 itself.

Furthermore, it has been experimentally verified that in the capsule 1in accordance with the invention it is capable of positively influencingthe defectiveness due to fluidic losses, although an uncoupling at theend of dispensing is ensured, even with an increased thickness of thering 401.

Still experimentally, it has instead been verified that the shape of theflanged edge 204 with the movement of the first portion to the seconddistance D2 is capable of positively influencing, with any thickness ofthe ring 401, also the defectiveness due to fluidic losses, ensuring atthe same time the capsule itself to be uncoupled at the end ofdispensing.

FIGS. 14 to 16 show a flanged edge 214 of a variant (not shown) of thecapsule 1 in accordance with a second aspect of the invention.

In detail, FIGS. 14 and 15 show a flanged edge 214 which differs fromthe flanged edge 212 of FIGS. 1 to 7 , in that it comprises a firstportion 216 which is planar and an annular bead 215 which is foldedstarting from the border 2'.

The first portion 216 comprises a tilted wall 216' which is coplanarwith the annular bead 215 and which forms the discontinuity with thesecond planar portion 207.

An angle β is defined between the tilted wall 216' and the secondportion 207 and can be greater than or equal to 20° and less than orequal to 135°. In FIG. 14 , for example, the angle β is equal to 90°while in FIG. 15 the angle β is equal to 60°.

For the angles β comprised between 90° and 135°, the first portion 216is tilted towards the side wall 202, that is towards the ring 401.

The considerations previously made with reference to the capsule of FIG.1 are valid, i.e. the fact that the annular bead 215 has a free edge215' which defines the recess 210, capable of entirely containing thering 401, and is at the first distance D1 from the first plane, definedby the second planar portion 207 which is greater than or equal to thethickness of the ring 401 is still valid.

It should be noted that the annular bead 215 of FIGS. 14 and 15 , inaddition to being folded around the free edge 215', is also flattened.

In fact, in the annular bead 215 there is a first flap defined betweenthe free edge 215' and the border 2' of the casing which is placed incontact with a second flap defined starting from the free edge 215', onthe side opposite the first flap.

The second flap extends, for example, from the free edge 215' to thetilted wall 216'.

In a version not shown, the annular bead 215 can also be V-shapedmeaning that the first flap and the second flap may not be parallel andin contact with each other, but form an angle between them whose vertexis the free edge 215'.

As regards the manner in which the ring 401 is made and the positioningthereof in association with the second portion 207 of the flanged edge214, it is specified that what has already been described above isvalid.

Thanks to the fact that the annular bead 215 is folded in the firstportion 216, the aluminium casing 2 is very simple to make and iseconomical.

In addition, the border 2' of the casing 2, after being folded, facesthe second portion 207 and is also partially hidden by the ring 401.

In this way, no pointed aluminium parts which could harm the user areexposed.

In fact, in relation to the angle β between the first portion 216 andthe second portion 207, the ring 401 can entirely, along its entirethickness, abuts on the first portion 216, like in FIG. 14 , if thefirst portion 216 forms a 90° angle with the second portion 207. If theangle β is an acute angle, then the ring only partially abuts on thefirst portion 216, like in FIG. 15 .

FIG. 16 shows a flanged edge 217 of a variant (not shown) of the capsule1', which differs from the flanged edge 204 of FIGS. 8 to 13 , in thatit comprises a first portion 218 which is planar, the connecting portion208 connecting the first portion 218 and the second portion 207 and anannular bead 215 which is folded around the free edge 215' starting fromthe border 2'.

The annular bead 215 can be flattened but, as previously detailed, theannular bead 215 can also be V-shaped, in relation to whether the firstflap and the second flap are, or not, in contact with each other.

Note that the first portion 218 is displaced towards the base wall 201by the second distance D2.

The first portion 218 comprises a tilted wall 218' which is coplanarwith the annular bead 215 and which forms a first discontinuity (i.e. afirst angle) with the connecting portion 208, which in turn forms asecond discontinuity (i.e. a second angle) with the second portion 207.

Again, the considerations previously made with reference to the capsule1' of FIGS. 8-13 are valid, i.e. the fact that the annular bead 215 hasa free edge 215' which defines the recess 210, capable of containing thering 401 entirely, and that the first portion 218 is displaced towardsthe base wall 201 and is arranged at least at the second distance D2from the first plane, the latter being defined by the second portion207, is still valid.

As regards the manner in which the ring 401 is made in the flanged edge217 and the positioning thereof, it is specified that what previouslydescribed applies, in relation to FIGS. 1 to 13 .

Also in this case, since the annular bead 215 is folded in the firstportion 218, it is very simple to make and is economical.

Again, since the border 2' of the casing 2 is folded and partiallyhidden by the ring 401, no pointed aluminium parts which might damagethe user are exposed.

1. A capsule comprising: a casing that extends about an axis, whichcomprises a base wall and a side wall defining a cavity containing aninitial product to be joined to a fluid to obtain a final product, and aflanged edge extending from said side wall and comprising, at the outerend, an annular bead; a covering element, fixed to the flanged edge toclose the cavity; a sealing element, associated with the flanged edge tomake a fluidic seal with a dispensing machine; wherein the casing ismade of aluminium and the sealing element comprises a cellulose-basedring; and wherein the flanged edge comprises a first portion whichcomprises the annular bead and a second portion contiguous with the sidewall, which is annular and lies on a first plane; and wherein the firstportion is contained in a half-space, defined by the first plane andfacing the base wall (201), extends in a direction parallel to the axistowards the base wall as far as a free edge of the annular bead, andwherein the first portion is defined without discontinuity from a borderof the casing as far as the second portion through the annular bead,between the first portion and the side wall facing the first portion, arecess being defined in which the ring is accommodated, the free edge ofthe annular bead being at a respective first distance from the firstplane that is greater than or the same as the thickness of the ring, sothat the recess contains the ring entirely.
 2. The capsule according toclaim 1, wherein the first portion has a tilted wall which is joined onone side to the annular bead without discontinuity and on the other sideto the first portion with discontinuity, an angle being defined betweenthe tilted wall and the second portion.
 3. The capsule according toclaim 1, wherein said first distance is comprised between 0.40 mm and2.20 mm, still more preferably comprised between 0.90 mm and 1.90 mm,still more preferably equal to 1.60 mm.
 4. The capsule according toclaim 1, wherein the annular bead, for example curled or rounded,extends radially between an inner edge and an outer edge for a maximumdiameter, the first portion being contained radially between the inneredge and the outer edge of the annular bead.
 5. The capsule according toclaim 1, wherein the first portion is shaped so as to be wound initiallyaround the border of the casing, defining the annular bead andsubsequently, to move progressively away from the annular bead as far asthe second portion.
 6. The capsule according to claim 5, wherein thefirst portion is shaped like a spiral that defines the annular bead andmoves progressively away therefrom as far as the second portion throughthe tilted wall.
 7. The capsule according to claim 2, wherein the angleis greater than or equal to 10° and is less than or equal to 90°,preferably is greater than or equal to 14° and less than, or equal to65°, still more preferably greater, or equal to 20° and less than, orequal to 45°.
 8. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the annularbead is displaced towards the base wall, the first distance beinggreater than the maximum diameter of the annular bead itself.
 9. Thecapsule according to claim 1, wherein the ring comprises an outer zonethat extends at least as far as abutting on the first portion, the ringbeing optionally retained associated with the casing by interferencebetween the outer zone and the first portion.
 10. The capsule accordingto claim 1, wherein the ring comprises an inner zone that extends atleast as far as abutting on the side wall of the capsule, the ring beingretained optionally associated with the capsule by interference betweenthe inner zone and the side wall.
 11. The capsule according to claim 1,wherein the ring comprises a single layer of cellulose-based materialintended for contacting the dispensing machine.
 12. The capsuleaccording to claim 1, wherein the ring comprises a stratified structurewhich comprises at least one cellulose-based outer layer, and a joininglayer configured to enable the stratified structure to be joined to thesecond portion.
 13. The capsule according to claim 12, wherein thestratified structure is made of a plurality of superimposed layers andcomprises the outer layer , the joining layer, an inner layer ofcellulose-based material and a further joining layer, the latter joiningtogether the outer layer and the inner layer, which is joined to thesecond portion by the joining layer.
 14. The capsule according to claim1, wherein the ring has a thickness comprised between 0.30 mm and 1.20mm, preferably comprised between 0.55 mm and 1.10 mm, still morepreferably comprised between 0.70 mm and 1.00 mm, preferably equal to0.90 mm, to ensure uncoupling of the capsule at the end of dispensing.15. The capsule according to claim 14, wherein the ring has a thicknesscomprised between 0.55 mm and 1.10 mm, still more preferably comprisedbetween 0.70 mm and 1.00 mm, preferably equal to 0.90 mm to ensureuncoupling of the capsule at the end of dispensing and to ensure inaddition an improvement of the defectiveness due to the fluidic seal.16. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the sealing elementcomprises a further cellulose-based ring, which is fixed to the coveringelement on the side opposite the flanged edge.
 17. The capsule accordingto claim 1, wherein a border of the casing is folded inside the annularbead.
 18. A capsule comprising: a casing that extends around an axis,which comprises a base wall and a side wall defining a cavity containingan initial product to be joined to a fluid to obtain a final product,and a flanged edge extending from said side wall and comprising, at theouter end, an annular bead inside which a border of the casing isfolded; a covering element, fixed to the flanged edge to close thecavity; a sealing element, associated with the flanged edge to make afluidic seal with a dispensing machine; wherein the casing is made ofaluminium and the sealing element comprises a cellulose-based ring; andwherein the flanged edge comprises a first portion which comprises theannular bead and a second portion contiguous with the side wall, whichis annular and lies on a first plane; and wherein the first portion iscontained in a half-space, defined by the first plane and facing thebase wall, extends in a direction parallel to the axis towards the basewall as far as a free edge of the annular bead, between the firstportionand the side wall facing the first portion, a recess beingdefined in which the ring is accommodated, the free edge of the annularbead being at a respective first distance from the first plane that isgreater than or the same as the thickness of the ring, so that therecess contains the ring entirely, wherein the first portion is planarand the annular bead is folded around the free edge starting from theborder.
 19. The capsule according to claim 18, wherein the first portionof the flanged edge has a tilted wall which is joined on one side to theannular bead and on the other side to the first portion withdiscontinuity, an angle being defined between the tilted wall and thesecond portion.
 20. The capsule according to claim 21, wherein the anglebetween the tilted wall and the second portion is greater than or equalto 20° and is less than or equal to 135°.
 21. The capsule according toclaim 18, wherein the flanged edge comprises in addition a connectingportion between the first portion and the second portion, such that thefirst portion is displaced towards the base wall by a second distance.22. The capsule according to claim 21, wherein the first portioncomprises a tilted wall which is joined on one side to the annular beadand on the other side to the connecting portion, the tilted wall forminga first discontinuity with the connecting portion, the latter forming inturn a second discontinuity with the first portion, an angle beingdefined between the tilted wall and the second portion.
 23. The capsuleaccording to claim 18, wherein said first distance is comprised between0.40 mm and 2.20 mm, still more preferably comprised between 0.90 mm and1.90 mm, still more preferably equal to 1.60 mm.
 24. The capsuleaccording to claim 18, wherein the annular bead is folded around thefree edge starting from the border and is flattened, the annular beadhaving a first flap defined between the free edge and the border whichis in contact with a second flap defined starting from the free edge onthe side opposite the first flap.
 25. The capsule according to claim 18,wherein the annular bead is folded around the free edge starting fromthe border and is V-shaped, the annular bead having a first flap definedbetween the free edge and the border which forms an angle with a secondflap defined starting from the free edge on the side opposite the firstflap.